Cong dharna in Odisha Assembly seeking CM’s apology

Congress members are on a dharna under the Speaker’s podium in the Odisha Assembly demanding an apology from the leader of the House Naveen Patnaik for the incident of tearing of their banners by ruling party members during Question Hour today.

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Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra too has joined his party colleagues on dharna, which began as soon as the Assembly reassembled at 3 pm.

“This kind of conduct is gag of democracy; the leader of the House must apologize,” stated Narasingh Mishra in the House.

Earlier in the day, Speaker Niranjan Pujari had adjourned the House till 3 pm after pandemonium began as soon as Question Hour commenced.

While Congress members raised slogans and waved banners from their seats, ruling party members were seen rushing to the Opposition benches. They caught hold of Congress chief whip Taraparasad Bahinipati and tried to snatch the banner held by him.